Six businesses nominated for chamber award

The Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce is highlighting the business success and community efforts of half a dozen organizations.

“It’s crucial, because celebrating business is what the chamber is all about,” said Lara Vemillion, president of the chamber.

On Thursday, at the chamber’s monthly luncheon, the six nominees for business of the year were revealed. They are:

• Zucca Daughters and Sons Roofing, founded in 1974. The company supports Habitat for Humanity, donated the roof for the renovation of the Chicago & Alton depot, and donated repairs for the Blue Springs School of Economics.

• KC Auto Carstar, a collision repair company, opened in 2000. It supports the YMCA and has served meals to teachers and staff in the Blue Springs School District.

• Advocare, owned by Jennifer Sexton, sells vitamins, nutritional drinks and food. The company supports the annual Fall Fun Fest and supported the Hy-Vee Triathlon and the Police Department boot camp with a hydration station.

• The Mid-Continent Public Library, established in 1964, with two branches in Blue Springs. In addition to a large collection of books, the library has in recent years focused on such services as computer access services and resume building.

• Foster Dental Care, opened in 1980, has sponsored 50 of its patients in a 5K run and has held a Halloween candy buy-back program. It also participates in Dentistry from the Heart, a day of free care for adults in need.

• Bill West Roofing, opened in 1980. The company has moved into windows, siding and gutters as well.

The winner is announced at the chamber’s annual banquet – “Rhinestones & Wranglers” is the theme – on Jan. 31. In response to feedback from members, Vermillion said, the chamber has moved that event toward more face-to-face time and less programming.